When a Famous Nutrition Educator Said, “That Would Take Work,” and Kinda Broke My Heart

Summary

A health coach is seeking expert validation on research conducted by a company whose fruit and vegetable powders they represent, but the renowned nutrition educator's response is noncommittal, citing the preference for whole fruits and skepticism about supplements, leaving the coach feeling brushed off and disillusioned.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's attempt to get feedback from a prominent nutrition educator on scientific research supporting a company's fruit and vegetable powder products. Despite the company's research being extensive, gold-standard, and peer-reviewed, the educator's responses are curt and dismissive, indicating a preference for whole fruits and a general skepticism about supplements. The author, who is a health coach and representative for the company, is disappointed by the lack of engagement with the specific research, feeling that their genuine inquiry was not taken seriously due to preconceived notions about supplements. This experience prompts the author to reflect on the importance of giving thorough and considerate responses to others in the industry.

Opinions

The author has a high regard for the nutrition educator's expertise and initially values her opinion, as evidenced by the request for input on the research.
The nutrition educator's opinion is clear: she prefers whole fruits over juices and supplements, considering them unnecessary for most people.
The author defends the product, comparing the fruit/veg powders to homeopathy or allergy shots, suggesting a therapeutic benefit from consistent consumption of a variety of dried fruits and vegetables.
The nutrition educator's dismissive "Whatever" response indicates a lack of interest in engaging with the specifics of the research or the product.
The author feels let down by the brevity and lack of substance in the nutrition educator's responses, expecting more from someone of her stature.
Despite the disappointment, the author acknowledges the busy schedule of the nutrition educator and considers the possibility that the response was an attempt to maintain "inbox zero" or to provide a quick reply to all inquiries.
The author is conflicted between understanding the constraints of the nutrition educator's time and feeling that their question deserved a more thoughtful answer.
The incident leads the author to introspect about their own communication practices, aiming not to replicate this kind of interaction in their future dealings with others in the field.

When a Famous Nutrition Educator Said, “That Would Take Work,” and Kinda Broke My Heart

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I’m not going to name names because she is a powerhouse who has taken on Big Food, Ag, and Pharm, so I get that she’s busy. Having said that, I’d love to get her input into the research done by a company I partner with.

To me, the research looks solid. There’s 40+ studies done at leading universities and medical centers around the world. It’s gold-standard, double-blind, placebo-controlled, has been peer-reviewed, and published in prestigious journals. But, with her eagle eye, and wicked skepticism, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to find out more.

And yes, the company pays for most of its research, as is the case with most research. Whether it’s paid by food, medical, or agriculture interests (think almonds), or pharmaceutical companies. And yes, the results often are a product of the methodology and hoped-for outcomes.

But here’s the kicker: If not the people who profit, who? I mean, who else would do clinical research on a product? I’m guessing few, and of those, most is funneled through people who will profit.

So, I asked for her to take a look and see what she thinks. Because, well, why not? The communications, in order. Please note the question I wanted answered in italics.

Me Would you consider reading the research from x company and sharing your opinion with me? I have seen some marvelous things, but because I like to rely on science, and am a layperson, I’d appreciate your input. I’ve been a rep for about seven years. (Full disclosure.) The company is always very clear about not making claims outside of what the research indicates. They have paid for most of the research, not all. Here is a link to the research page.

Response My opinion in general (no surprises here): Fruit is best. Juices are fine in small amounts. Supplements are not needed for most people. These look like supplements.

Me They’re actually fruit/veg powders dried at low temps. I think of it like homeopathy or allergy shots, a small amount of the variety, over time, adds up.

Response Whatever.

Me Well, I’m disappointed that’s your response as I was actually hoping for your take on the research. A bit disappointed even while being impressed that you answered at all.

Response Sorry. That would take work and time.

__________________________________________________________________At this point I didn’t respond but have been thinking about it all afternoon. Did she even look? As a health coach I agree that most people don’t need supplements. However, these are actually the dried powders of thirty fruits and veggies. People definitely need more of that.

So, here I am with the feeling that I was brushed off because of a general preconception rather than a genuine answer to my question … no answer at all.

Her last response was the answer to my question. She doesn’t want to take the time to do the work to formulate an answer. That’s what I wanted to know from the beginning. I didn’t want a product category opinion, but whether she’d look at the research.

Is it a big deal? I guess I am a bit disillusioned. Why answer a random query if you’re not going to answer. Then the nice girl side of me, definitely much smaller than the not-so-nice side, goes through the whole, “but she is busy and well known and a mega star in the industry so maybe she was trying to be nice by responding.” Or maybe she’s a victim of the ‘inbox zero’ crowd. :) It could be that she wants to answer everyone, and hopes her response is enough.

I’ll never know, but I’ll continue to read her newsletters and get irritated with Big Food, Ag, and Pharm. Hopefully, I’ll also remember how this discourse felt and not do the same thing to someone else one day.